Best Comton Group Podcasts (2025)

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S04E05 | Manufacturers Hub 56:48

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3M ago56:48

56:48

Episode Summary: In Episode 5 of Season 4, we sit down with Richard Patch, founder of the Manufacturers Hub, to explore how a side project to help his employer find new leads has grown into one of the most talked-about platforms in UK manufacturing. What began as a simple database of suppliers and customers has quickly developed into a fast-growing…

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S04E04 | Steel Quotas, Trade Pressure, and Supply Chain Survival: Paul Whitehouse on the Current Crisis 57:08

5M ago57:08

57:08

Episode Summary: In Episode 4 of Season 4, we sit down with Paul Whitehouse, Managing Director at Steel & Alloy, part of Gonvarri Industries, to unpack the biggest trade and supply chain pressures currently facing the UK steel sector. Steel & Alloy is one of the UK’s leading steel service centres supplying the automotive industry, and Paul brings a…

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S04E03 | Can UK Manufacturing Compete? Rowan Crozier on Global Growth and Thinking Bigger. 1:28:59

5M ago1:28:59

1:28:59

Episode Summary: In Episode 3 of Season 4, we speak with Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, one of the UK’s leading precision stamping specialists, about what it really takes to scale a British manufacturing business in a global market. Rowan leads a business that exports 85% of its products worldwide, supplying into aerospace, automotive, medical, a…

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S04E02 | The State of UK Manufacturing: Stephen Morley’s Unfiltered Take 1:22:17

5M ago1:22:17

1:22:17

Episode Summary: In Episode 2 of Season 4, we sit down with Stephen Morley, President of the Confederation of British Metalforming, to get his unfiltered take on the current state of UK manufacturing. Stephen has spent decades on the inside of the industry, working directly with companies across the country and lobbying for change at the highest le…

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S04E01 | Rodney Rice, from Blast Furnace to Boardroom 1:15:38

6M ago1:15:38

1:15:38

Episode Summary: We’re kicking off Season 4 with a guest we've been wanting to get on the mic for a long time: Rodney Rice, Director at Langley Alloys. Rodney’s career started in a blast furnace at British Steel and took him through R&D, marketing, and operations before he landed at Langley Alloys, a business focused on niche metals for some of the…

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S03E14 | Addressing the Skills Gap in the Metal Industry 1:34:59

1y ago1:34:59

1:34:59

Podcast Show Notes: The Metal Guys Talk Business - Special Episode Hosts: Peter Comerford, Michael Bolton, and special feature host Nadine Bloxsome (CEO, ALFED) Episode Title: Addressing the Skills Gap in the Metal Industry Release Date: 1st October 2024 Episode Summary: In this special episode of The Metal Guys Talk Business, hosts Peter Comerford…

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S03E13 | Passive vs Active candidates in the recruitment market. 43:23

1+ y ago43:23

43:23

The Metal Guys Talk Business - Bonus Episode Hosts: Pete Comerford and Mike Bolton Episode Title: Active vs. Passive Candidates in Recruitment Release Date: 3rd September 2024 In this bonus episode, Pete and Mike dive into the nuances of recruitment, specifically focusing on the differences between active and passive candidates. They discuss the ch…

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S03E12 | The Sertec Story with Grant Adams | Metal Bashing to Multi Million Pound Success Story 1:16:11

1+ y ago1:16:11

1:16:11

The Sertec story with Grant Adams Host: Pete Comerford and Michael Bolton Guest: Grant Adams, Chief Executive Officer of Sertec Episode Title: Metal Bashing to Multi-Million Success Release Date: 27th August 2024 Episode Summary: In this episode, Pete and Mike sit down with Grant Adams, the Chief Executive Officer of Sertec, to delve into the fasci…

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S03E11 | The 2024 Energy Market with Liam Conway 50:59

1+ y ago50:59

50:59

Hosts: Pete Comerford and Mike Bolton Guest: Liam Conway Episode Title: The 2024 Energy Market with Liam Conway Release Date: August 20th, 2024 Episode Summary: In this episode, Pete and Mike sit down with Liam Conway from Greenfields Energy Group to discuss the state of the energy market as of 2024. Liam shares his expert perspective on how the ma…

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S03E10 | Sharpening your business development with Joe and Dan of KR Saws 53:47

1+ y ago53:47

53:47

Hosts: Pete Comerford and Mike Bolton Guests: Dan Fedyszyn and Joe Johnson Episode Title: Sharpening your business development with Joe and Dan of KR Saws Release Date: August 13th, 2024 Episode Summary: In this episode, hosts Pete and Mike are joined by Dan and Joe from KR Saws to discuss the cutting-edge innovations in automated saws and the stra…

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S03E09 | Women with Metal the Kirsty Davies-Chinnock Story 1:38:20

1+ y ago1:38:20

1:38:20

Host: Pete Comerford and Mike Bolton Guest: Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, Managing Director at Professional Polishing Episode Title: Women with Metal the Kirsty Davies-Chinnock Story Release Date: August 6th, 2024 Episode Summary: In this episode, Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, Managing Director at Professional Polishing, joins Pete and Mike to delve into her c…

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S03E08 | Discrimination in the workplace with Liz Burley 1:16:47

1+ y ago1:16:47

1:16:47

Hosts: Pete Comerford and Mike Bolton Guest: Liz Burley Episode Title: Discrimination in the workplace with Liz Burley Release Date: July 30th, 2024 Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into the complexities of post-furlough work environments, exploring the challenges employees face when returning to work and the importance of flexibility. We…

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S03E07 | The Marubeni-Itochu takeover of BM Steel 42:16

1+ y ago42:16

42:16

Host: Pete Comerford Guest: Kyle Greenwood, CEO of BM Steel Episode Title: The Marubeni-Itochu takeover of BM Steel Release Date: July 23rd, 2024 Episode Summary: In this episode, Kyle Greenwood, CEO of BM Steels, joins Pete (One-half of The Metal Guys) to discuss various topics crucial for modern businesses. From the integration of acquisitions an…

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S03E06 | Sales Techniques for Industrial Sales Professionals Part 2 51:36

1+ y ago51:36

51:36

Hosts: Pete Comerford and Mike Bolton Guest: Tom Mallens Episode Title: Sales Techniques for Industrial Sales Professionals Part 2 Release Date: July 16th, 2024 Episode Summary: In this episode, we are rejoined by Tom Mallens for part 2 of his Sales Training Podcast As a seasoned expert in sales strategy, Tom joins us to discuss how businesses can …

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S03E05 | Sales Techniques for Industrial Sales Professionals Part 1 1:01:57

1+ y ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Hosts: Pete Comerford and Mike Bolton Guest: Tom Mallens Episode Title: Sales Techniques for Industrial Sales Professionals Part 1 Release Date: July 9th, 2024 Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive deep into Tom Mallens' career journey, exploring how he transitioned from journalism to becoming a sought-after sales trainer. Tom shares his insigh…

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S03E04 | Matsource 53:22

1+ y ago53:22

53:22

Episode Summary: In this episode, we’re joined by Mark McGregor and Nick Robbins, the team behind Matsource, to talk about the journey from start-up idea to becoming a multi-million-pound player in the UK metals market. Founded with a clear vision and an eye for opportunity, Matsource has carved out a niche in supplying specialist steel products wi…

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S03E03 | Industrial Marketing in 2024 1:16:44

1+ y ago1:16:44

1:16:44

Episode Summary: In this episode, Mike and Pete are joined by Joe Stallion for a deep dive into the intricacies of marketing and sales within the industrial sector. The discussion highlights the unique challenges faced by businesses in this sector, strategies for managing customer expectations, and the importance of building a strong online presenc…

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S03E02 | Gail Thomas of TW Metals 1:07:52

1+ y ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Host: Peter Comerford and Michael Bolton Guest: Gail Thomas, VP & Managing Director at TW Metals Episode Title: Navigating Aerospace Supply Chain Challenges Release Date: June 18th, 2024 Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, we delve into the intricate world of aerospace supply chain management with Gail Thomas, a seasoned expert with over 4…

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S03E01 | The Metal Guys are back! 1:04:48

1+ y ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Hosts: Peter Comerford and Michael Bolton Episode Title: The Metal Guys are Back! Release Date: June 11th, 2024 Welcome back to "The Metal Guys Talk Business" for the much-anticipated Season 3! In this episode, hosts Pete Comerford and Mike Bolton kick off the new season with exciting updates, reflections on the past year, and plans for the upcomin…

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S02E12 | Stainless Steel in the Food and Beverage Industry 30:15

3y ago30:15

30:15

In this BONUS episode, Pete speaks with Rob Cooper and Eric Partington about the new Stainless Steel in the Food and Beverage Industry event, which will be held on 9th March 2023 at the Warwickshire Golf and Country Club, Leek Wootton, Warwick. The event is jointly hosted by the British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA), the Nickel Institute and t…

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S02E11 | SteelBuy 1:07:18

3y ago1:07:18

1:07:18

In this episode, Pete and Mike met Terry Sargeant, the new CEO of SteelBuy and the current Chairman and CEO of ThyssenKrupp UK PLC. We've spoken with a number of e-commerce platforms since we started the podcast, and Terry gave us some great insight into the why, how and future plans for this website. With finance in place, a clear plan and a small…

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S02E10 | i-SPACE 1:12:28

3y ago1:12:28

1:12:28

In this episode, Pete and Mike spoke with Cathy Bell from i-SPACE - the latest innovative research project by Swansea University. i-SPACE is an acronym, which stands for "Innovative Steel Processing Accelerating the Circular Economy". In layman's terms, they aim to develop an industrial-scale end-of-life material shredding and sorting facility for …

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S02E09 | Fractory 59:07

3y ago59:07

59:07

Fractory is a multi-national digital manufacturing platform, enabling designers to obtain instant quotations for the production of parts based on their CAD drawings, and to manufacture and deliver the parts quickly and reliably to anywhere in the world. In September 2022 we met up with Johnny Ly and Mark Kerwin to talk about the Estonian start-up's…

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S02E08 | Adam Bradley of CRM 1:03:05

3y ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Fellow podcaster Adam Bradley of Corrosion Resistant Materials (CRM) joined us this week to talk business. Adam is very active on social media, and champions the metals industry, so it was an interesting podcast to record, and he had a lot to say about the sector in this episode of the show. Having won a host of awards over the last year, it was gr…

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S02E07 | What happened to SteelScout? 1:13:33

3y ago1:13:33

1:13:33

SteelScout was the digital arm of TATA Steel, and was launched in 2017. With a big budget and a team of Developers and Steel Specialists, the goals and ambitions were clear. What was not clear was how the market would react to this disruptive player in the UK metal sector. Shortly after recording a podcast with SteelScout in 2021 (S01E07) the busin…

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S02E06 | The rise and rise of Flocon 49:07

3y ago49:07

49:07

Flocon Valves and Fittings are a family-owned distributor business based in South Wales. Supplying stainless steel, carbon steel, plastics and everything in between, this business has become a true success story in our industry. In this episode, we were joined by Craig and Andy Phillips to talk through the last few years, with the aim of understand…

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S02E05 | The Auditor with Andrew Milner #AssuranceWithAndrew 1:03:17

3+ y ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Quality standards, audits and ISO accreditations are fundamentally important to Metal Producers, Distributors and End Users, but they aren't always top of every business's to-do list. In this episode, Pete and Mike were joined by quality aficionado Andrew Milner to talk about all things Quality and Accreditation. This topic may not fill everyone wi…

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S02E04 | UK Manufacturing and the 2022 Energy Crisis 36:57

3+ y ago36:57

36:57

This is a bonus podcast featuring in season 2 of The Metal Guys Talk Business. In this episode we were joined by Liam Conway, head of Business Development at Control Energy Costs https://cec.uk.com With energy prices at the top of many manufacturers agenda this year, Liam talks us through the reasons why energy costs have spiked so dramatically, wh…

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S02E03 | All that is Stainless with Rob Cooper of the BSSA 1:03:19

3+ y ago1:03:19

1:03:19

The BSSA or British Stainless Steel Association represent the interests of the UK's Stainless Steel industry, from manufacturers through to the the end users. In this episode, we were joined by Rob Cooper the MD of the BSSA to talk all things Stainless. Amongst other things we talk about: * The role of Stainless in the UK * Training, an ageing work…

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S02E02 | Sustain Steel with Richard Curry 1:10:30

3+ y ago1:10:30

1:10:30

In this episode, we were joined by Richard Curry who is a Programme Manager at the SUSTAIN Steel Project at Swansea University. The SUSTAIN Steel project aims to deliver cutting-edge science and the engineering research required to create carbon-neutral, resource-efficient UK steel supply chains. Amongst other things we talk about: * The circular s…

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S02E01 | FC Laser with Danny Fantom and Daryl Lowe 1:16:02

3+ y ago1:16:02

1:16:02

In this episode we were joined by CEO Danny Fantom and Managing Director Daryl Lowe to talk about: * All things laser * The meteoric rise of their business since 2011 * The outlook for laser in the UK * And the business becoming an employee-owned business in 2020 This podcast was recorded in May 2021, so the business has moved on apace since we wer…

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S01E09 | The future of Laser Technology with Edwin Kroon of Lion Lasers 30:46

4y ago30:46

30:46

This podcast has taken a while to release, but it is just as relevant today, as it was when we initially recorded it. If you have any interest in lasers, then this should open your mind to a whole range of possible uses outside of just cutting holes and shapes in tubes and flat metal products. Edwin has a scientific background in biology, and on se…

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S01E08 | Post Brexit Misery for Imports and Exports with Simon Hartley of J Heebink Logistics 51:01

5y ago51:01

51:01

J Heebink are an international logistics company servicing the Benelux, the German Ruhr, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Simon has been working in the freight sector for almost 40 years, so he has a wealth of experience, and gave us a candid view of how imports and exports to and from Europe had been affected since January 2021, and what customers …

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S01E07 | SteelScout 54:37

5y ago54:37

54:37

SteelScout is a digital platform providing purchasing solutions for metal buyers in the UK. The business was set up in 2017 to address what they saw as inefficiencies in the supply chain for metal. In under four years they now have over 8,000 registered buyers and over 130 suppliers nationally, so it was great to talk to them about how they do what…

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S01E06 | "Bottom to the Top" with Rebecca Galley of Hydroscand 58:05

5y ago58:05

58:05

This week's episode covers: * Rebecca's early career in telesales * Personal development, and standing out in her early career * Getting an MBA, and how important that has been in her progression * Turning around an underperforming business * Overcoming gender issues in the workplace * Diversity in the metal and engineering sector * Social media, a…

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S01E05 | "Bottom to the Top" with Sue Greatorex of BSS 1:00:00

5+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Sue has had a 45-year career in the industry and worked for some of the biggest players in the UK market. From initially working on a sales desk in her first role in the industry, she made more than 26 house moves to benefit her career rising all the way to the top of a number of major U.K. companies. This week's episode covers: * Sue's early caree…

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S01E04 | "Next Generation Business Owners" with Piers Baynton of Stephens Gaskets 27:27

5+ y ago27:27

27:27

Stephens Gaskets are known for manufacturing Shims, and Gaskets, but they also produce a range of metallic, rubber, high temp, and plastic parts, as well as metal pressings and lasered components. This week's episode covers: * Why he joined the family business * How the business compete on price with far eastern manufacturers * Spotting opportuniti…

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S01E03 | "Bottom to the Top" with Rob Brien of Kloeckner Metals 28:58

5+ y ago28:58

28:58

This is the third episode of The Metal Guys Talk Business but is our first with a guest. This episode is part of our 'Bottom to the Top' series. This week we are joined by Rob Brien of Kloeckner Metals. Rob began his career for ASD Court Steel as a warehouse operative 25 years ago and documents his journey all the up to becoming a board member in 2…

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S01E02 | Business Development during COVID-19 33:45

5+ y ago33:45

33:45

This is the Second episode of The Metal Guys Talk Business. In this episode, Mike makes up a game for Groupon and Pete says "press the flesh." If you work in the metal or engineering sector, join the conversation. This week's episode covers: * The changing role of business development during and post COVID-19 * Different approaches YOU could try to…

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S01E01 | The Pilot Podcast 27:43

5+ y ago27:43

27:43

This is the FIRST episode of The Metal Guys Talk Business. In this pilot episode, Pete says "pivot", Mike talks about buying a year's worth of pasta, and then we talk about what's going on in the metal market in the UK. If you work in the metal or engineering sector, join the conversation. This week's episode covers: * COVID-19, and how it affected…